The back-to-back sidelining of minority leaders, including Housing & Wakf Minister BZ Zameer Ahmed Khan, has triggered talk of possible political realignments after the results of the Davanagere South and Bagalkot are declared.
Union Minister and JD(S) state president HD Kumaraswamy hinted at potential political churn post-results. “The Congress, which claims to champion minority protection, has created confusion in Davanagere South,” he said in Delhi on Sunday.
Davanagere South has emerged as a flashpoint, with the Congress’ choice of candidate drawing backlash from sections of the Muslim community. Several prominent leaders either distanced themselves or backed dissent against the party nominee, citing the perceived neglect of community aspirations. The decision to field a third candidate from the prominent Shamanur Shivashankarappa is seen to have alienated both Muslim voters and sections of local Lingayats.
Speculation is also rife about Khan’s future political moves, including a possible handshake with Kumaraswamy and a return to the JD(S). The Congress leadership is learnt to be unhappy with Khan not doing enough to quell the rebellion in Davanagere South—an issue that has also embroiled MLCs Abdul Jabbar and Naseer Ahmed.
Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar removed Jabbar from the minority cell, while Siddaramaiah relieved Ahmed of his role as political secretary, a Cabinet-rank position. Both leaders are considered loyalists of the Chief Minister.Kumaraswamy, however, denied any discussions with Khan, asserting that the JD(S) would not seek to capitalise on instability within rival parties.
Within the Congress, the developments have drawn mixed reactions. Senior leaders such as KN Rajanna and BK Hariprasad have expressed reservations over the action against minority leaders. Rajanna, in particular, flagged concerns over Siddaramaiah not adequately backing his loyalists amid what he described as targeted actions by Shivakumar.
Also Read: Have no personal involvement in Congress’ action against some minority leaders: D K Shivakumar
Meanwhile, religious bodies, including members of Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind, have publicly voiced dissatisfaction, accusing the Congress of taking the community for granted. Similar protests have also been reported from district-level leaders.
The Congress leadership is said to be closely watching the bypoll outcome, especially in Davanagere South, where a setback could signal erosion in its support base despite the rollout of its flagship guarantee schemes in the state.
